Nestled in the heart of the Trastevere district, at the foot of Villa Sciarra and on the historic Janiculan hill, lies one of Rome’s most enigmatic archaeological discoveries: the Syriac Sanctuary. This 4th-century AD structure, built over remnants of earlier buildings dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, reveals a microcosm of religious beliefs and traditions that converged at the height of the Roman Empire.

The sanctuary was accidentally discovered in 1906 during construction work in the area, and archaeological excavations began in 1908 under the direction of Angiolo Pasqui, with support from the French Academy. What emerged from the earth was a complex that, at first glance, suggested a dedication to Syriac cults.

However, over time and with advances in research, the theory emerged that the sanctuary might have been dedicated to Osiris, the Egyptian god of life, death, and resurrection. This hypothesis is based on the discovery of a mysterious bronze statue depicting a man entwined by the coils of a serpent, which is now housed in the National Roman Museum.

Syriac Sanctuary of the Janiculum
The unusual floor plan of the Syriac Sanctuary of the Janiculum in Rome. Credit: Fabio Caricchia / Soprintendenza Speciale di Roma / Ministero della Cultura

The architectural complex of the sanctuary is divided into three main sections: the western part, which houses a basilica-shaped building with an apse that likely contained the main cult statue, perhaps a seated Jupiter.

The eastern sector, where the mysterious statue of Osiris entwined by a serpent and sealed inside a triangular altar, covered with eggshells, flowers and seeds, together with other elements suggesting initiation ceremonies, was discovered.

This sector includes a rhomboidal hall where fragments of ritual objects were also found. The central courtyard, an open space, likely served as a gathering place for worshippers and a stage for collective rituals.

Syriac Sanctuary of the Janiculum
Gilded bronze idol from the Syriac sanctuary of the Janiculum Hill, excavated at the beginning of the 20th century. It was found sealed inside a triangular altar, still covered with votive offerings: eggshells, flowers and seeds, so it is interpreted as linked to a cult of fertility and renewal of life, perhaps Adonis or Osiris. Credit: Szilas / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

The aforementioned statue, which is about 50 centimeters tall, is a key piece for understanding the religious syncretism of the era. It represents a link between Mediterranean chthonic beliefs and Egyptian influences. The serpent, associated with the earth, regeneration, and eternity, wraps around the male figure in a gesture symbolizing the eternal cycle of life and death. This concept is closely related to Osiris and Adonis, two deities sharing the theme of death and resurrection.

Trastevere, where the sanctuary is located, was a cosmopolitan neighborhood in antiquity, home to communities of merchants, slaves, and foreigners, including groups of Syrian origin. These communities brought their own beliefs, enriching Rome’s spiritual landscape. Among the deities worshipped in the sanctuary, Atargatis, the “Dea Syria”, stands out, associated with fertility and protection, whose cult may have influenced local practices.

Additionally, the discovery of a Greek inscription dedicated to Zeus Keraunios and the Nymph Furrina, a water deity linked to a nearby sacred grove, reinforces the idea of overlapping beliefs. This religious syncretism is a hallmark of the Roman era, where local traditions merged with foreign ones to create new hybrid cults.

The rituals likely performed in this space would have celebrated not only the continuity of life but also the hope of immortality, personified in figures like Osiris-Serapis, a deity embodying protection and rebirth.

Syriac Sanctuary of the Janiculum
Another view of the remains of the sanctuary. Credit: Lalupa / Wikimedia Commons

The recent reopening of the Syriac Sanctuary to the public (albeit only by request or during special events) has allowed archaeologists and curious visitors to explore its mysteries and rediscover its significance. As Rocco Bochicchio, the site’s manager, states, this is a place of great fascination, connected to the persistence of pagan cults in a commercial and productive area tied to Rome’s ancient markets and river docks.

Today, the site is undergoing restoration and enhancement thanks to funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). In addition to preserving its structure, plans are underway to establish an exhibition space and a reception area in the former custodian’s house.

These initiatives aim to ensure that future generations can admire and study this unique sanctuary, which continues to reflect the complex cultural and religious interactions of imperial Rome.


This article was first published on our Spanish Edition on January 16, 2025: El Santuario Siríaco del Janículo, un enigma de cultos y divinidades perdidas en el Trastevere romano

SOURCES

Roma, Sito Turistico Ufficiale, Santuario Siriaco del Gianicolo

Espacios de culto de la antiguedad en Roma, Santuario siriaco del Gianicolo

Ministero della Cultura, Soprintendenza Speciale di Roma, Santuario Siriaco del Gianicolo

Wikipedia, Santuario siriaco del Gianicolo


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